Writing a letter is a way to share thoughts, feelings, or information with someone else. While formal letters are used for official or business communication, informal letters are used to write to people we know personally—like friends, family members, or close relatives. The informal letter format is different from a formal letter. It is more casual, friendly, and relaxed. In this blog, we will explain what an informal letter is, how it is written, and why the format matters.
What is an Informal Letter?
An informal letter is a personal letter written to someone you know well. It can be written to share news, invite someone, express feelings, or just to say hello. Informal letters are usually written to:
- Friends
- Family members
- Cousins
- Classmates
- Neighbors
These letters do not follow strict rules. You can write them in your own style, using a friendly tone. However, even though informal letters are casual, they still follow a basic structure. This structure helps the reader understand your message easily.
Why Is Format Important in Informal Letters?
You may think that because informal letters are casual, the format doesn’t matter. But that’s not true. Using the correct format makes your letter easier to read. It also helps you stay organized. When you follow a format, you won’t forget to include anything important.
For example, if you are writing to a friend to tell them about your vacation, your letter should still have an opening, a body, and a closing. This way, your letter looks neat and feels complete.
Main Parts of an Informal Letter
Let’s understand the main parts of an informal letter in detail. You can use the following format to write any informal letter. Here’s a simple table to show the structure:
| Part of Letter | Details |
|---|---|
| Sender’s Address | Your address written at the top-left corner. |
| Date | The date when you are writing the letter. |
| Salutation/Greeting | A friendly way to say hello (e.g., Dear Rahul, Hi Grandma, etc.) |
| Introduction | A short paragraph to start the letter. Mention why you’re writing. |
| Body of the Letter | The main content. Share your message in a few paragraphs. |
| Conclusion | Wrap up the letter with good wishes, love, or regards. |
| Signature | Write your name or something like “Yours lovingly, Rahul.” |
Sample Informal Letter
Here’s a simple example to help you understand the informal letter format better.
45 Bluebell Street,
Mumbai – 400002
17th May 2025
Dear Rohan,
I hope you are doing great! I’m writing to tell you about my trip to Goa during the holidays. It was an amazing experience.
We stayed near the beach and enjoyed water sports like parasailing and jet skiing. I even tried seafood for the first time. The sunsets were beautiful, and I clicked so many photos.
I really wish you were there too. We would have had double the fun. Let’s plan a trip together next time. Write back and let me know what you have been up to these days.
Take care and give my regards to your parents.
Yours lovingly,
Aarav
Sample Informal Letter 2
B-56, Sunview Apartments
Sector 21, Noida – 201301
17th May 2025
Dear Ananya,
How are you doing? I hope everything is going great at your end. I have some exciting news to share with you—I got a new puppy!
His name is Bruno, and he’s a golden retriever. He’s only two months old and super playful. He follows me everywhere and even tries to climb onto my bed! We take him to the park every evening, and he enjoys running around and playing with other dogs.
Taking care of a pet is a big responsibility, but I’m learning so much. He already knows how to sit and give a paw. I’ll send you some pictures soon—you’re going to fall in love with him!
Please visit soon and meet him. I’m sure you’ll enjoy playing with him. Take care and say hello to your parents from my side.
Yours lovingly,
Tanya
Sample Informal Letter 3
Flat 302, Orchid Residency
MG Road, Bengaluru – 560001
17th May 2025
Dear Arjun,
I hope you’re doing well. I really missed you at my birthday party last week. It was a fun celebration, but it would’ve been even better if you had been there!
We had the party at home and invited some close friends and family. The living room was decorated with balloons, lights, and a banner that read “Happy Birthday!” There were games, music, and lots of dancing. I also got some amazing gifts—my favorite was a smartwatch from Mom and Dad.
The cake was chocolate, just like every year! Everyone loved it. I saved a piece for you, but of course, it’s gone now! I’ll definitely send you pictures of the party. Maybe next year, you can come and celebrate with us.
I really missed hanging out with you. Let’s talk soon. Take care and keep in touch!
With lots of love,
Nikhil
Tips for Writing a Good Informal Letter
Here are a few simple tips to keep in mind:
- Be yourself. Use natural language.
- Don’t worry about using perfect grammar—but try to be clear.
- Use short paragraphs.
- Keep the tone friendly.
- Add personal touches like inside jokes, shared memories, or photos (if allowed).
Informal letters are a great way to build and keep relationships. In today’s digital age, we often send messages through phones or emails, but writing a letter by hand still holds a special charm. It shows thought, effort, and care.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the informal letter format helps you write better letters to your friends and family. It teaches you how to communicate in a simple and kind way. Whether you are a student learning it in school or someone who just wants to connect personally with a loved one, knowing this format is very useful.
You can also check Wikipedia – Writing to learn more about writing as a skill.
If you want to improve your communication, writing informal letters is a great way to start. And remember—your words matter. A small letter can make someone’s day brighter.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is an informal letter used for?
An informal letter is used for personal communication. People write these letters to friends, family members, or people they know well. The purpose can be to share news, feelings, or experiences in a friendly and relaxed way without following any strict format rules.
What are the parts of an informal letter?
An informal letter includes the sender’s address, date, greeting, introduction, body, conclusion, and signature. These parts help to organize the letter and make the message clear. Even though the letter is casual, a good structure helps the reader understand everything easily.
How should I start an informal letter?
Start an informal letter with a warm greeting, like “Dear Rahul” or “Hi Mom.” Then write a short paragraph asking how the person is doing or explaining the reason for writing the letter. A friendly and caring start makes the letter feel personal and pleasant.
Can I use slang in an informal letter?
Yes, you can use simple slang or casual words in an informal letter. But make sure the reader will understand them. Since you’re writing to someone you know well, it’s okay to be relaxed. Just try to keep the message clear and respectful.
Is grammar important in informal letters?
Grammar is still important, even in informal letters. You don’t need to be perfect, but try to use correct spelling and punctuation. This helps the reader understand your message clearly. A neat and correct letter shows that you care about the person you’re writing to.
